Guild Wars 2

What is the trick for P/D?? I like the survivability of this build, but it seems the damage output is weak. What are the tricks to this??

It’s a a condition build. That means there isn’t any burst damage. You won’t see big numbers. It’s based around applying bleeds to your target. Stealth from CnD then sneak attack to apply bleeds. Throw caltrops into the mix. It’s easy to get 15 stacks in a matter of seconds. Those stacks add up doing around 100+ damage per second. So 15-20 stacks will bring anyone down fairly quick.

The gear you need to go with is carrion gear with condition damage. The problem you will face is that people are getting smart and specing to remove conditions. Well, some people are, I find the majority are still without any kind of condition removal. The survival is great, especially if you like to roam. I find it very boring to play P/D while in a large zerg though.

Just remember, cloak n dagger —-> sneak attack… If you get rooted or immobilized, use shadow strike to get out. Fun build but like all builds, it does have it’s drawbacks.

With P/D I don’t use the caltrops utility, instead trait it on dodge. C&D→Dodge… time it right and it’ll be right under them every time you go in for a C&D. With P/D you can get in a ton of ways to get more endurance (return on dodge, on heal, on steal) That allows you to be VERY evasive while dropping caltrops constantly… and you can use another utility.

If you want even more survival you can mix in apoth gear (healing/toughness/condition damage) so that you have higher toughness and heal for more while in stealth. The loss in power doesn’t matter much at all… as your main damage comes from bleeds (you do lose a small amount of condition damage though).

3 Krait/3 Afflicted, Tuning Crystals & Pizzas are also your friends.

If you’re super-stacking apothecary gear, consider using Sigent of Malice for you heal. I find signet of malice is a great companion to P/D if you’ve got a lottle extra healing power, and you’re comfortable enough to go without the stealth from Hide in Shadows.